Women’s restrictions advised as Ijebuland celebrates Agemo festival July 1

The 2025 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland has been scheduled to hold on Tuesday, July 1, with the traditional Agemo masquerade dances expected to follow on Wednesday, July 2.

The sacred masquerades are expected to enter Ijebu Ode through several historic routes, including Odogbolu, Isiwo, Ijebu Imusin, Ago-Iwoye, and other surrounding communities.

In line with longstanding customs, women are prohibited from witnessing the Agemo processions or seeing their sacred regalia.

Consequently, movement restrictions have been announced for women along the stated routes from 1pm on July 1.

Confirming the development on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ayotunde Odubela, issued an internal memo to the university community.

The statement read,”Members of the University Community are hereby informed about the announced celebration of the annual Agemo masquerade festivals in Ijebuland scheduled for Tuesday, 1st July, 2025.

“Consequently, female members of staff are to close by 12:00 noon on Tuesday 1st July, 2025, while female students are advised to keep to their residences as a condition precedent to the Agemo masquerade outing on same day.”

Odubela advised strict adherence to the tradition, warning against actions that could be deemed disrespectful to cultural norms.

“We implore everyone to avoid any action that will be interpreted as contrary to the accepted norms to tradition associated with the Alagemos,” he said.

The university spokesperson added that normal work and lecture schedules would resume on Wednesday, July 2.